This past weekend was filled with hard work, fun and my favorite thing: all of us together making music. We spent Saturday morning putting the polishing touches on our music for Sunday's concert, and the singers finally got to meet Mr. Ballenger, our guest conductor and composer.

Many people aren't aware of the fact that for kids (especially young singers), it's a totally different experience each time someone new stands on the conductor's podium. The singers have to quickly learn the new conductor's gestures and cues, and it can be intimidating to sing with someone you've just met! Our singers met the challenge, and Mr. Ballenger was absolutely thrilled with their preparation of his music.

I always love seeing the kids arrive in their dress uniforms, and seeing them standing with such confidence on the stage of Hemmle Recital Hall filled my heart with pride. Scheduling a concert this early in our season represented a leap of faith in our singers (and a bundle of nerves for our teaching staff!) But they sang beautifully! Now we have a performance under our belt, and it has generated a lot of enthusiasm for our upcoming concerts. Thank you, parents, for your warm support and encouragement.

Now, we are back to square one with all new music, and lots of it! We have two completely different programs to prepare for the first weekend in December, so we REALLY need our singers at ALL rehearsals between now and then. Will you help us make sure the kids are prepared by encouraging them to be on time and ready to sing at every rehearsal between now and then? I'm counting on everyone to pitch in.